Summary:
Are you looking to start a career with a real sense of purpose? Do you want to play a vital part in how we manage our water network while developing a unique, high-demand skill set?
At South East Water, we're looking for someone who is ready to dive into the world of infrastructure and finance. This isn't just a desk job - it's a role that bridges the gap between our office in Snodland, and our live sites across our three regions. You'll be the person ensuring our projects are delivered fairly, accurately, and to the highest standards, protecting the financial integrity of the company while helping us provide a top-tier service to our customers.
Our cost controller team deals with third party developer funds that are used to install mains in our water network. The team negotiates how much the job will cost before starting and manages the costs throughout the project. They also look after scheduler rates for the contractors who carry out the work, ensuring they are paid the right amount.
If you are looking for your first big break into a stable industry with a reputable company that values growth, this role offers a clear path forward. You'll start with intensive shadowing to learn the ropes of cost control, eventually transitioning into an independent monitor who provides critical assurance over the quality and timeliness of external projects. It's a position of real responsibility where you'll act as a critical control point, making sure every penny spent on our network delivers true value.
You don't need any prior financial or water industry experience - we will teach you everything you need to know to be successful in this role. We ask that you come with a willingness to learn and develop your skills, as this position will enable you to unlock a fulfilling career in the water industry. You will also be given the opportunity to undertake qualifications as part of a training plan created to enable your success.
Main Responsibilities
* Shadow and Learn: Work closely with our experienced Cost Controllers to understand our unique control processes and internal systems.
* Monitor External Work: Independently visit sites to ensure contractors and developers are sticking to company specifications and high-quality standards.
* Contract Management: Learn to navigate the NEC contract framework, ensuring all parties meet their legal and contractual obligations.
* Cost Control: Meticulously process and approve project costs, negotiating deviations to ensure we achieve true value for money.
* Site Reporting: Provide accurate updates to senior management on site progress, ensuring transparency across the Developer Services Department.
* Field Operations: Take your company van to visit sites across our three regions, even supervising mains shuts as you progress.
* Health and Safety: Adhering to all Health and Safety standards.
You'll need:
Skills / Qualifications / Experience
* Education: GCSE grades A-C (or equivalent).
* Communication Skills: The confidence to professionally confront issues and negotiate with contractors and developers.
* The Right Drive: An enthusiastic, "willing to learn" attitude with a genuine desire to build a long-term career in the water industry.
* Mobility: A full, clean driving licence, as you will be travelling across our regions for site visits.
* Commitment to Growth: A readiness to undertake formal qualifications and meet milestones within a comprehensive training plan.
We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for.
We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That's why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.
Benefits package:
* Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
* 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
* Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
* Paid volunteering days.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Health cash plan.
* Life assurance.
* Wellbeing related benefits.
What can you expect from your recruitment?
* To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career's website.
* It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water.
* Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.
If this sounds like the opportunity you've been looking for, apply now
South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.
Compensation package:
£26,347